Used 2017 Chevrolet Spark LS Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Chevrolet Spark LS Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Great For High Mileage, Cool Tech, Tight Parking!
C. Tatum, Lufkin, TX, 01/05/2017
2017 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
I am a simple kind of guy, and my goal with getting another vehicle was very simple – get a new vehicle at a reasonably low price. Happily, the 2017 Spark is simple in all the ways I like – I got the base LS model because I’m not a fan of power anything (power stuff breaks first). The only “power” options I wanted and got on the Spark were power steering and an automatic transmission. …
The most common descriptor my friends use for the Spark is “cute.” It’s quite a small vehicle, but it’s one I have no problem fitting my 5’ 11”, 230-pound frame into. The seats, while not easy-chair material, are sufficiently comfortable.
The Spark is good with mirrors and window space – blind spots on either side of the car have been kept to a minimum. The rear-view mirror inside the cabin could be a little wider, but it’s adequate. And the rear window is wide enough to monitor tailgaters.
Internal storage space, as has been widely written about, isn’t very much, but you can fold the rear seats down for additional space. It also has two rear doors which might be suitable for loading large items as well as associates.
Much has also been written about the Spark’s 98-horsepower engine and that it takes 10 seconds to get to 60 mph. I have not found it to be a problem. I would not call it underpowered at all. If you’re an angry, pushy driver who loves to tailgate others, the Spark will exhaust your patience. But if you’re a judicious, considerate driver, the Spark’s acceleration won’t be an issue for you.
I was a little surprised to find out the Spark has a 9.2-gallon tank – the smallest in any vehicle I’ve ever owned, but that’s offset by its high-rated fuel mileage of 38mpg (highway) and up. If you do the math, that’s a cruising range of at least 340 miles. This is not a “touring” car, but for 180- to 250-mile trips that I take on occasion, I’m confident the Spark can handle the pull.
The deal clincher for me was under the hood – the EcoTec engine, this one a 1.4-liter jobbie – is the centerpiece of the Spark. I became a huge fan of EcoTec with my last car which lasted over 296,000 miles with that original engine. Unlike the Fiat 500, you can use 87 octane fuel with the Spark.
Compared with what I’ve read about similar subcompacts, the Spark’s instrument panel and dash are welcomingly simple and very nicely designed. No screen is too “busy”. If you have an Android or iPhone smartphone, you can plug either device into the USB jack and access music and certain mobile apps from those devices on the touch-screen display.
The semi-digital dash on the base model is the carries a nice amount of information including mpg, miles to empty, and average speed. The 1LT and 2LT models are supposed to be even better on this point.
The radio does NOT pick up HD channels (at least not in the base model), so get your premium stations thru your Bluetooth enabled smartphone and apps like Sirius XM or Pandora.
The Spark includes several modern conveniences and safety features such as a rear backup camera and the MyChevy touch-screen control system with Bluetooth. You get a 3-month trial of OnStar remote monitoring and assistance free, too, as well as built-in 4G wi-fi service you can add on for as little as $10 a month (1 GB). Automatic lights, cup holders, and too many other features to include in this short review.
The Spark is a good, simple little car that has in reviews been compared favorably in specific ways to the pricier Honda Fit, the trendy Fiat 500, the practical Nissan Versa, and the equally reliable Toyota Yaris. The Spark stands out, though, for its integrated OnStar service and onboard technology.
If you’re in a precarious situation with savings or credit score, and you need basic transportation, you’ll like the Spark a lot. If you’re a road hog, or a gearhead, look elsewhere. The Spark is most certainly not a ride for hipsters (unless they’re driving it ironically).
For its high fuel mileage, its maneuverability in tight parking spaces, its safety features, and its integrated smartphone technology, not to mention its low price relative to other vehicles in its class, the 2017 Spark earns its 5 stars overall. Just a few things keep it from being an absolutely perfect subcompact, but no one has made one of those yet!
Take a test drive! You’ll love it!
Pugnacious little runabout!
Tim, Madison, WI, 02/18/2023
2017 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
Okay, you won't win any races or look like a sex symbol, but if you're a) cheap like me b) need something for in-town or a college student or beginning driver then c) you'll probably like this car. It makes 98 hp (9-gallon tank with roughly 300-mile range) and the CVT is a clumsy, sort of like a charming, dotty uncle wondering where he set his spectacles, but overall it delivers the … goods. I drive to work every day in it, and, so far, rain or shine and recently heavy snow, it performed like a champ! The basic amenities are there with an emphasis on basic.
The base model (LS) has hand-crank windows and manually adjusted mirrors (for you retro fanatics). There's a back seat for some reason, but it's not spacious and it doesn't quite fold flat for more cargo. You can probably fit four to six bag of groceries on the floor, seats, and cargo space.
Even so, I just came back from skiing (alone) and I could fit my skis and poles on a diagonal over the back seat and across the passenger seat. You won't be able to move any big screen tvs, though.
Still, if you like internet connectivity and a decent stereo plus a high quality backup camera, then this is your huckleberry! These features are much better than they were on my 2016 Mazda 3 i Sport. And, this car is coming down in price because they have been discontinued. You won't see much resale value, so why not drive it into the afterlife? There will be parts and people to work on them. It might be just the car you need! UPDATE: I've owned if for a year now and it's still going strong!
I LOVE CLYDE
Lexndres, Independence, KY, 02/23/2017
2017 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
Update: I still stand by my original review. I still love it, its dependable. Still no adjustable sun visor but other than that just is a fantastic car
Original review:Yes i have named my beloved Spark. Reminds me of a ghost from Pac-Man. Anyway I do love my car. Zippy little thing, great gas mileage. First car i have not regret buying. Only a couple of minor things I would suggest … changing, moving the gas flap opener thingy back a couple of inches, a gasket around the gearshift (I have lost several credit cards down that little gap and they are gone forever) and the most important thing, an adjustable sunvisor. This is so small and doesnt move so it makes blocking the sun an real issue. BUT other than that I LOVE THIS CAR!
Cheap but amazingly reliable
B. Borgerson, Ashland, OR, 03/19/2017
2017 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
World’s cheapest sports car?
Car and Driver made this car an “Editors’ Choice” in its category. Consumer Reports is not quite so thrilled. Easy to see why. This little puppy is fun to drive, with agile handling and – at least when only the driver on board – plenty of zip to thoroughly enjoy a smooth and winding country road. Down sides? On a bumpy road you will get jostled, there’s … precious little back seat and cargo room, and the interior on my base LS version is heavy on hard plastic. Plan on seat pads for long trips. But I can hardly quibble when I snagged an automatic for $10,500, replete with up-to-date electronics, ten airbags, tire pressure monitoring, Bluetooth and ONStar – but no cruise and no power on anything in the doors. Still, I haven’t paid that little for a brand new automatic since 1989. And well built? It’s so tightly fitted that, windows all up, you have to give the door a firm little slam to overcome the air compression.
This is the six month update prompted by Edmunds. No news is good news. Turned it over to my daughter and she's been driving it around Seattle, and out for a couple camping trips on back roads. Zero problems.
One year prompted update. Still zero problems at 7000 miles so upgraded reliability to five stars.
Update after 30 months. My daughter and her boyfriend packed up all their stuff ( to the roof) for a school year teaching assignment and then drove the Spark from Seattle to Alabama in the heat of late August. No problems.
Update after 40+ months. Back from Alabama to Oregon after side trips to North Carolina and Louisiana. Purring right along, still zero problems.
Update after 51/2 years, about 60 k miles. Now belongs to my daughter. New tires and battery but still no repairs.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Chevrolet Spark LS Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Impressive number of features at an affordable price
- Pro:Can be had with optional high-tech safety features that are typically unavailable in this class
- Pro:High fuel economy
- Pro:easy to park in tight spaces
- Con:Acceleration is very slow, both for the class and in general
- Con:Not much rear legroom and cargo capacity
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Chevrolet Spark Hatchback
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Driving
Because of its modest power output, the Spark's small four-cylinder engine is best suited for around-town use. A CVT-equipped Spark takes a bit more than 11 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, so highway on-ramp runs require some advance planning. Although we haven't yet tested a Spark equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, we expect it to be slightly slower than the CVT-equipped model.
The Spark's tallish body fosters the impression of a European cargo van left too long in the clothes dryer. Thankfully, the Spark doesn't drive like a van. Although far from a sport sedan, this petite Chevy remains surprisingly agile around turns and delivers a well-mannered ride overall. There's noticeable road and wind noise, but it's no more intrusive than in other cars at this price point. It's also impressively easy to park, even in tight spaces.
Interior
Up front, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark surrounds you with a simple, clean and modern interior, but it's difficult to ignore the vast expanse of painted plastic bits, admittedly a common sight on cars in this price range. The color-accented dash and door panels, well-textured trim pieces and swoopy sculpting help you overlook some of the hard plastic surfaces. Sporty gauges featuring both a traditional speedometer and a digital multifunction display add visual appeal.
The MyLink touchscreen infotainment system adds to the Spark's modern vibe. It has intuitive menus, sharp graphics and a 7-inch touchscreen that supports smartphone-imitating gestures like pinching and swiping. Apple CarPlay lets you run your iPhone from the touchscreen in a familiar manner, while Android Auto does the same for smartphones using the Google-based operating system.
Considering its small size, the Spark provides spacious seating for most adults to get comfortable, even on longer drives. Still, the upright position of the front seats gives the impression that you're sitting on the chairs rather than in them, and there's no real lateral support. While the Spark's rear seats are larger than many in the subcompact segment, they're still best suited to smaller passengers. Average-size adults will likely complain about the low seat cushions and headrests.
Cargo capacity checks in at 11.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered. Both figures are below average for the class. For comparison, the Honda Fit boasts 52.7 cubic feet of maximum space.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Chevrolet Spark in Ohio is:
not availableLegal